After resting for a night, Chen Zhou and the much-improved Paul set off on their mountain trek the next morning.
The paracord used to secure the shelter's wooden beams was all untied and woven into a net bag, used to hold the clothes of the ninja and the American soldier, along with half a roasted bird leg.
Paul carried this net bag, which weighed about 20 pounds when full.
Chen Zhou initially intended to carry other items like the military pot himself, but Paul insisted on sharing the burden. Seeing Paul's condition was much better, Chen Zhou did not refuse.
...
That morning, the grassland was rarely without wind, the cold white sunlight poured down, making the wild grasses look aged and white, a scene of tranquility.
The two left the camp, leaving behind the dismantled semi-permanent shelter.
The smoldering embers glowed red within the stone circle of the campfire, while scattered footprints and remnants of the giant bird lay in the gradually solidifying mud.
